Cop killed in Pindi gun attack

RAWALPINDI: An unidentified armed man attacked a police picket in Rawalpindi on Thursday killing a policeman and injuring four others. The attack caused panic amongst the public nearby leading to a stampede.

Sadiqabad police and witnesses said that Sub-inspector Akram and Constables Sajid, Shehzad Ahmed, Qamar Sadiq, and Zafraan were manning a picket at Sadiqabad Chowk when an unidentified man, holding pistols in either hand, fired at the officers and fled.

As a result, the officers and a passerby, Muhammad Naseem, received bullet wounds.

The attack spread fear and panic amongst the people who tried to run for cover, causing a mini-stampede.

Rescue 1122 were called in who shifted the injured to the Benazir Bhutto General Hospital for treatment.

The police said that Constable Zafraan, who was shot thrice in his chest and stomach, succumbed to his wounds.

After being informed of the attack, City Police Officer (CPO) Abbas Ahsan, Rawal Town Superintendent of Police Usman Tariq, Investigations SSP Syed Ali Akbar visited the site of the attack and later visited the injured at the hospital to inquire after their health.

CPO Ahsan said that they had blocked off many areas of the city to keep an eye on Basant night.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 22^nd, 2019.